Poorest congressman doubles net worth but still not a millionaire

In just one year, the poorest lawmaker in the House of Representatives has more than doubled his net worth but remained far from becoming a millionaire like most of his colleagues.

Anakpawis party-list Rep. Fernando Hicap’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) showed his net worth for 2014 increased by P57,850.65.

As of December 2014, the legislator has a net worth of P95,572.65, up from P37,722 the previous year.

Last year, Hicap ranked last among the 290 House members in terms of net worth.

He furnished the media a copy of his SALN on Thursday, the last day of filing for all government personnel.

The lawmaker’s total assets, which amounted to P95,572.65, were composed of cash in bank amounting to P90,572.65 and home appliances worth P5,000. He has no liabilities.

Hicap also didn’t list any real properties nor any business interests.

The 54-year-old lawmaker explained that most of his cash were savings from his monthly salary of P60,000.

“Yung savings ko ay mostly galing sa mas matinding pagtitipid ko sa food. Hindi na rin ako nagyoyosi, di ako bumibili ng mamahaling gamit, at sa mga rally, nakikisalo ako sa kung anong kinakain ng mga dumadalo,” he said.

Hicap said most of his salary are spent for the tuition of his 10 children, three of which are under 18 years old. One of his children, he said, just graduated from a two-year course.

Unlike his colleagues who live in gated subdivisions and mansions, Hicap lives in a seaside community at A.C. Mercado, Brgy. Wawa I, Rosario, Cavite with his fishermen brothers and family.

The lawmaker, a high school dropout, said he doesn't consider himself a "squatter" because "as a fisherman, I should be entitled to live in a marine zone to earn my living."

Prior to being elected to Congress, Hicap earned a living as a fisherman.

Even as a lawmaker, Hicap has chosen to forego the flashy Sports Utility Vehicles driven by a number of his colleagues, driving around instead in the old service vehicle of his predecessor, Rafael Mariano.

Hicap said he has no qualms releasing his SALN to the public because he wants to prove that being in Congress doesn't always necessarily equate to riches or power.

"Being a congressman... Is about true service to the public. Simple living is okay though it's different from the public perception of what a congressman should be," he said. -NB, GMA News